The 2025 Boston Red Sox were a relatively young team, and there won't be much roster turnover due to free agency. Boston's surplus of young players and deep farm system could set it up for multiple acquisitions on the trade market, however.
Fortunately, the Red Sox locked Roman Anthony up long-term shortly after his MLB debut in 2025, so other teams won't demand him as heavily in trade discussions. Many of the Sox's other young players have displayed their talents at the MLB level, however, and ESPN reporter David Schoenfield thinks there's a clear odd man out among them.
In outlining the Red Sox's expected offseason plan, which includes re-signing Alex Bregman and moving Marcelo Mayer to second base, Schoenfield wrote: "That still would leave four outfielders plus Campbell, who started the season with a lot of helium after making the Opening Day roster, but his defense at second wasn't good, and he didn't rip up Triple-A after getting sent down. If anyone is the odd man out, it's probably him, so he's the one most likely to get traded."
Campbell does feel like something of an extra piece in the Red Sox's roster puzzle. The 23-year-old played in the infield and outfield in the minor leagues, but Boston's outfield logjam forced him onto the dirt to start the season. Not only does his defense need serious improvements, the streakiness of his bat is problematic in the Sox's already hot-and-cold lineup.
ESPN reporter considers Kristian Campbell the 'odd man out' among possible Red Sox offseason trade candidates
Boston could try to trade Campbell, but such a move could be difficult based on his early struggles in the major leagues. The Red Sox signed him to an eight-year, $60 million deal after he'd appeared in just five games, and the rest of his short tenure in the big leagues did not live up to that hype. After winning American League Rookie of the Month in March and April, Campbell's bat severely stalled, and he slashed .223/.319/.345 over 67 games.
Campbell could be included as part of a larger trade, but it's hard to imagine a team trading for him specifically with his impending salary hike on the books. Campbell still has plenty of potential, but there is much work to be put in before he reaches it. The Red Sox sent him down to Triple-A in June — he had only played 19 games at the level before they extended him — and he slashed .273/.382/.417 with 21 extra-base hits over 73 games.
The Red Sox's payroll is set to increase quite a bit from 2025-26, largely based on contract extensions that will kick in next year. Garrett Crochet, Roman Anthony and Campbell are all set to enter the first year of their extensions with Boston next season, and if Alex Bregman opts into his contract, their payroll will be around $237 million before the additions of any high-profile free agents or trade candidates (figure courtesy of user redsoxpayroll on Twitter). The first luxury tax threshold sits at $244 million for the 2026 season.
Given the Red Sox's recent history of frugality, it wouldn't be surprising to see them attempt to ship Campbell to another team this offseason, especially if signing any free agent pitchers is a priority. Finding a team to take on Campbell's contract and give Boston a decent return could be a tall task for the front office amid its other offseason priorities.